Taza out, clams and tacos in at Easton Public Market

The Easton Public Market is losing a popular Egyptian food restaurant, but getting two new eateries, both of which will be operated by existing market tenants.

Taza plans to leave the market at the end of the month to concentrate on expanding its business in the Philadelphia area and closer to the owner’s hometown in Bethlehem. Taza also operates a food truck.

But the market is quickly filling up with other food options.

Lee Chizmar, who was a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Award and whose Salisbury Township restaurant, Bolete, was named one of Open Tables 100 Best Restaurants in America, will be bringing a New England-style clam shack concept to the market.

The shack will be directly across from Mr. Lee’s Noodles, which is run by Chizmar and his wife, Erin Shea.

“We are thrilled that Chef Chizmar will open his third location with us, and can’t wait to try the seafood selections,” said Megan McBride, market district manager. “We’ve heard from many of our customers who liked having a seafood option at the market, and we wanted it to be part of our culinary identity.”

Also coming to the market is a taqueria, Taylor Taco, which is taking over Taza’s old spot.

Taylor Taco will be run by Matt Martin, owner of More Than Q, which sells barbecue at the Easton market and in Lambertville, New Jersey.

Martin’s stand plans to offer a modern take on the traditional street taco.

McBride said 2018 has been a year of growth and change for Easton Public Market, which also added Eight Oaks Craft Distillers and Mercantile Outpost, a home accessories shop, in recent months.